by Karl H. Kazaks
McGAHEYSVILLE, VA — Gerald Heatwole and his son Monte have made a number of improvements to their dairy here in eastern Rockingham County over the past several years.
It all stems from a concerted effort to invest in the future, a strategy that led the Heatwoles this year to install a new concrete manure lagoon and to buy new farming equipment.
“We’re constantly making improvements,” Gerald said, “putting extra cash flow back into the farm. We’re always looking to identify and improve the weak link in our operation.”
The recent spate of improvements began seven years ago when the Heatwoles — who milk 420 Holsteins 3x — put in a loose housing barn. The barn supplanted several sacrifice lots, providing not only better environmental management but also better conditions for the herd.
“It’s worked really well for us,” Heatwole said. Continue reading
2013 All-Dairy Antiques and Collectibles Show & Sale
HARRISBURG, PA — Antique and collectible milk bottles, signs, ceramics, advertising, awards and artwork were the highlight of the 16th All-Dairy Antiques and Collectibles Show & Sale during the All-American Dairy Show, Sept. 6-11, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, PA.
The All-Dairy Antiques and Collectibles Show has developed a reputation for showing a variety of high-quality, rare and unusual items. As the only known dairy antiques show of its kind in the United States, it is a valuable educational event and a major market for buying and selling quality dairy antiques and collectibles. It also serves as an educational tool for youth participating in the All-American Dairy Show and the Premier National Junior Events. Continue reading
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We’re here for the amusement of the microbes
by Helen Terry, Grazing Planner for Seneca Trail RC&D Council
ALLEGANY COUNTY, NY — What do sheep, cows, grass, and soil all have in common? According to Dairyman, Kim Shaklee, it’s to “amuse the microbes.” This systems approach was the overarching theme as countless farmers traveled out to the Allegany County countryside joining their conservation and extension educator professionals for two pasture walks. Continue reading
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Maximizing value by minimizing volume
A progressive group of New York dairies pool resources
by Steven E. Smith
Slated to be operating by July 2014, Cayuga Milk Ingredients will be a 108,000 square foot milk processing plant, owned collectively by 21 of the Cayuga Marketing Members with the goal of converting more than 1.85 million pounds of these farmers’ own milk through ultra-filtration into high quality dairy ingredients. The 25-acre site in the Cayuga County town of Aurelius near Auburn, NY, was designed to produce milk protein concentrates, milk protein isolates (85 percent and 90 percent), 42 percent cream, skim milk powder and whole milk powder. Continue reading